Zhao Lianhai, who was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for leading protests against milk contamination that made his son sick, has been released. A message allegedly written by Mr. Zhao posted online asks for privacy and apologizes for his actions. From The Australian:
A message posted on a blog from Mr Zhao’s account last night said he had been released and wanted to be left alone.
“I support and thank the government and I feel deeply sorry for the remarks I made against the government in the past,” he said.
Neither Mr Zhao nor his wife could be reached to confirm the contents of the note.
Mr Zhao first vowed to fight his conviction, said he would go on a hunger strike and signed legal forms for an appeal. But he later reportedly came under pressure not to appeal and abruptly dismissed his lawyers.